Under President Nez’s watch, the Navajo Transitional Energy Company has purchased three coal mines in Montana and Wyoming without the knowledge of the Navajo Council. According to an article in the Navajo Times, the purchase is very risky and it could bankrupt the Navajo Nation. The NTEC seems to have gone forward with waivers of sovereign immunity which protects the nation without Council approval. I heard that the Navajo DOJ Attorney April Quinn was blocked by security guards when she attempted to enter the NTEC meeting. First, the demand for coal is going down throughout the United States. Coal companies are struggling to stay afloat. Second, the federal law requires coal companies to clean up. Experts believe this will cost billions of dollars (with a "b"). If Navajo Nation becomes the owner, then Navajo Nation is responsible and becomes liable for the costly cleanup. I guess that’s what happens when you put unvetted Bilaganas in control of tribal enterprises. Council Delegate Otto Tso said the Navajo Council should not scrutinize the company and let the company operate like it should. Well, at this point the company seems to be operating illegally and going rouge. I heard the board members are avoiding the Council Delegates. With that type of under-the-door dealings, the very high risk, the illegal operation, and the blatant disrespect, I think it’s best just to dissolve the company before it does more damage. It may be too late. I am disappointed that our leaders have allowed this to go this far. This is why it is important not to elect uneducated leaders. They make multi-million dollar decisions for the people.
We should also be concerned about some council delegates (Nathaniel Brown and Eugenia Charles-Newton) who own shares in these companies and at the same time serve as council delegates for the people. First, shouldn't they be required to disclose to the people their interest in these companies from the get-go? Second, isn't there a conflict of interest? They put their personal business interest ahead of the Navajo people's interest. At the very least, there is a good chance of getting interests mixed up. These council delegates should not be allowed to be shareholders and serve on the council at the same time. They need to choose one or the other. There is too much chance for corruption.
To stop council delegates from seeking other sources of income to sustain their families, the Council needs a pay increase. Currently, the Council Delegates make about $25,000 per year. In this inflating economy, that is not enough for the real work that some of the council delegates do. I know that they get paid stipends and that amount needs to be published also. The current salary does not attract educated and professional Dine.
Finally, along with the pay increase, it would be good to increase the qualifications for Council Delegates. If they are going to be making major policy decisions that involves billions of dollars, we the people need some guarantee that they will at least be making informed educated decisions. Right now, the Council seems to be overlooking everybody else, but nobody is overseeing the Council.
